Scenic train rides- Gotthard Panorama Express

Switzerland tourism department has developed some scenic train routes. Gotthard Express or also known as Wilhelm Tell Express is one such journey through central Swiss Alps up to Italy with a Mediterranean climate. The journey begins at Lucerne and ends in Lugano. Lugano is also known as a Sunny spot of Switzerland. Though this trail is equal picturesque, it is not as famous as that of other train routes.

View from Gotthard Panorama Express

This scenic ‘only train’ or ‘train + boat’ trip can be traveled from Lucerne as a day trip or with one night stand in Lugano. One way journey is about 4.5 hours. With the fast-direct train, it takes about 2 hours but then the train goes mainly through tunnels. If you want to return on the same day to Lucerne, this option will be good for the return journey.

The entire journey is indeed beautiful but the stretch between Fleuelen and Bellinzona is the best scenic. From Bellinzona, one can catch another train to Locarno.

The end destination is Lugano, located on the banks of Lake Lugano. Some part of this lake boundaries is in Italy. Therefore, this journey is said to be ‘scenic travel between Lucerne and Italy’.

Folks dance at Lugano

Lugano has more like Italian type than that of Swiss. It is surrounded by many hills and mountains and hence there is an abundance of photo points looking over the city and the lake. The city is famous for its parks, flowers and Mediterranean style architecture. Parco Civico hosts many sub-tropical plants and is nicely planned for a lazy stroll along the winding paths.

There are various boat tours available to explore the lake and the villages around it. On one day trip from Lucerne, I will suggest walking around the old city center, a general boat ride and/or a visit 1 or 2 small villages alongside the Lake and then relax in Parco Civico. If you are staying there for 1 or 2 nights, one should visit Swiss miniature village (fun for kids) and go up the ‘Mont Bre’ by funicular.

Advertisements

If interested, one can visit Locarno (Switzerland), Varese, Como (both in Italy) as a day excursions.

Lugano / Pixabay

Tips –

Sit on the right-hand side of the train when traveling from Lucern to Lugano for a better view.

One can travel this route without Panorama express also. In that case, you need to catch a regional (slow) train from Lucerne central station to Lugano. There might be direct connections or one might need to switch the trains once or twice, depending on the time you start the journey. The track is the same.

I will suggest selecting Train+boat route. This takes little longer but the train (between Lucerne and Feuelen) doesn’t go along the Lake Lucerne.

One can continue to Glacier express or Bernina express routes from Lugano.

AUTHOR

Varsha

Hi, I am Varsha, a family travel blogger and the owner of this site- VarshasTravel360. At present, I am in Germany exploring various natural landscapes and historic sites around Europe. In my blog, I share my travel experiences, information about family-friendly destinations and tips to explore them on budget.